Join Fall Adventures with McHenry County Conservation District
The McHenry County Conservation District has announced its "Fall Adventures." Visit www.MCCDistrict.org to view all program and event offerings or sign up to receive the seasonal magazine Landscapes. Register online, by phone (free programs only) at (815) 479-5779, by mail-in and drop-off at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road in Crystal Lake, or drop-off only at Lost Valley Visitor Center, Route 31 and Harts Road in Ringwood.
Discovery Days:
10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 12, at Coral Woods Conservation Area, 7400 Somerset, Marengo. Enjoy an hour of fun including a game, craft, snack and other educational activities all based around the special theme of the day. A short hike will be included, weather permitting. This Just for Kids, ages 2 to 6 with chaperon program is free for county residents and $5 for nonresidents. Registration is required.
Full Moon Hike:
6:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13, at The Hollows Conservation Area, 3804 Route 14, Cary. As the sun sets and the full moon rises, join us for a hike around Lake Atwood. Discover full moon stories from cultures around the world, and learn what we know about the moon today. Leave your flashlights at home and let the moon light the way. Stick around after the hike to enjoy a tasty treat. This For Adults and Families program is free for county residents and $5 for nonresidents. Registration is required.
Vultures on the Ridge:
1:30 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, at Marengo Ridge Conservation Area, 2411 N. Route 23, Marengo. Visit one of the highest points in McHenry County and also one of the most scenic. The vultures use the thermal winds blowing up and down Marengo Ridge to soar and hunt for their food. Vultures hunt using their amazing eyesight and sense of smell. Read a story, do a quick craft and spend time practicing your observation skills. Join us to find out more about this amazing creature. The Adults and Families, ages 8 and older, is free for county residents and $2 for nonresidents. Registration is required.
Cast Iron Cooking - Fall Favorites:
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake. Learn to cook some tasty Dutch oven autumn recipes while also learning about cast iron use and care. Most importantly, we'll be preparing lunch that we'll enjoy together. Leave with new knowledge as well as recipes. Taught by the one and only Dutch oven Diva, Lesley Tennessen. This Just for Adults ages 14 and older program is $8 for county residents and $10 for nonresidents. Registration is required by Sept. 12.
Family Scavenger Hunt:
1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, at Boone Creek Conservation Area, 916 Cold Springs Road, Bull Valley. Bring your family out for an autumn scavenger hunt adventure. Meet at the shelter for an introduction and to pick up your map and scavenger hunt sheet. Bring your completed work sheet back to the program leader for a prize. This For Adults and Families program is free for county residents and $5 for nonresidents. Registration is required.
Fall Photography:
5:30 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 22, at Shelter #1, Hickory Grove Highlands Conservation Area, 500 Hickory Nut Grove Lane, Cary. Fall is here and brings with it beautiful colors. Learn how to capture the magic of the "golden hour" and changing seasons with some tips and tricks on how to use your camera phone. If you are more advanced, feel free to bring your own equipment and take advantage of this opportunity to photograph the park "after hours". Enjoy reviewing photos together and warm up afterward with a cup of tea or hot cocoa. The Just for Adults program for ages 14 and older, is free for county residents and $5 for nonresidents. Registration is required.